As we head toward the end of another very productive and busy term it has also been busy and productive for so many of our families with serving ADF members. Fresh from assisting with bushfires, many are now on the frontlines of hotel quarantine, border checks, contact tracing and medical support. We are so proud of our association with the ADF community and extend our best wishes to all professionals (Defence and civilian) that are assisting with keeping us safe and healthy.

There have been a lot of changes relating to posting orders this year due to the impacts of Covid. Delayed several times already they are now starting to trickle through, and we are sorry to be losing several families for the 2021 school year as they head off for new adventures.

If you are relocating for 2021 and haven’t yet notified us please email Karyn.heitmann@ed.act.edu.au or contact the front office as soon as practical. This allows for term 4 posting support planning as well as assisting with executive planning for 2021 school year for CPS.

Along with the delays in posting order releases is a significant amount of uncertainty about how border closures are going to impact families relocating on posting. Due to the fluid nature of the situation there isn’t a lot of information at this time, but I have compiled some resources from the Defence Families Australia newsletter as well as the Defence Community Organisation quarterly Canberra eNews that may be of help.

KidSMART, TeenSMART and FamilySMART

These DCO smart programs are aimed at helping ADF kids and families manage military life. These programs have been postponed until further notice in line with Australian Government guidelines on gatherings and events. If you would like your child to be placed on a waiting list, please email us at dco.canberra@defence.gov.au

Posting/Connect - Providing a simpler posting experience

PostingConnect is a new Defence platform that will streamline the posting process for members and their families and is currently on track to be available from September 2020. ADF members will receive an email invitation on the Defence Protected Network (DPN) inviting them to use PostingConnect once a posting order has been issued.​ Sign up to receive the monthly PostingConnect Newsletter to ensure you receive the latest updates or contact posting.connect@defence.gov.au or view the PostingConnect website for more information.

Postings during COVID-19 restrictions from Defence Families Australia (DFA)

The news cycle is working faster than we can ever remember.

Rules about where we are allowed to go and what we are allowed to do are changing all the time.

We do know of some families where postings have been cancelled, postponed, or are looking different to what was expected.

It’s safe to say nothing about 2020 has been expected.

What happens if you are getting posted during this time?

Firstly. Take the time to read the Toll Relocation guide so you understand the basics of how a posting works.

TollTransitionsYourDefenceRelocationGuide_July2020

Then, do some research into where you are coming from and where you are going to.

The advice will be different for each state or territory.

Keep checking with your state or territory government website regularly or with their social media pages as information can change quickly. You may need to download a border declaration depending on where you are relocating to. You may be required to quarantine.

Your Toll Case Manager will support and guide ADF Members and their families who are posting into a location that requires a quarantine period. Please do not hesitate to contact Toll with any concerns or uncertainty you have about your relocation.

If you have other questions, make sure you check in with Defence Housing Australia, Toll, or the Defence Family Helpline at Defence Community Organisation

We’re also here to advocate for you should you need us.

We will work hard to support families and students preparing to relocate throughout term 4. Please don’t hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns by email Karyn.heitmann@ed.act.edu.au or phone 02 6142 3580. I look forward to seeing many of our families next week during parent teacher interviews.